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Pocket watch

Article about: Hi guys, I got this a couple of years ago, when I got a German helmet from a vet's estate in Arkansas. The helmet came with a Heer belt buckle, a long service cross, and this pocket watch. T

  1. #1

    Default Pocket watch

    Hi guys,

    I got this a couple of years ago, when I got a German helmet from a vet's estate in Arkansas. The helmet came with a Heer belt buckle, a long service cross, and this pocket watch. The details are very fine and it appears to be a very high-quality piece, but I don't know anything about these. It does not work as far as I know. Can any of you give me any info on it?

    Thanks,
    Mo
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    If there is a maker mark it is very likely inside. Is it possible to take the back (or inner cover) off and see the mechanism?

    Rob

  3. #3

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Yeah Mo, can we see the innards.........?

    Most likely a European/Swiss make anyhow, because there is no maker on
    the face/dial like you usually see on American and British pocket watches.
    The plates/workings will probably be quite plain. It is probably somewhat
    older than WWII - 1900 to the 1920's.

    It has a fancy enamel dial as well, so definitely not military, however
    'dandy' gentlemen liked to have a dolled-up watch to show off.
    They cost a bit more with certain additional embellishments,
    such as the coloured dial and 'Louis XVII' pierced hands.

    From experience, it will cost around $150 to $200 to repair,
    so probably not worth it, as when it is running it may
    then be worth only what you paid to get it fixed.
    Regards,


    Steve.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Thanks for your replies guys, do either of you know how to take it apart? I don't want to break anything any further.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    There is a small 'nail nick' on the top edge near the winding stem.
    This should pop the back open with just a little pressure.

    The cover is on a hinge so will open towards the bottom.........
    Regards,


    Steve.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Here we go. It appears you were right, it's Swiss.
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  7. #7

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Your comment about 'high quality' is not far off, because all things produced
    in the past were relatively well made, but this is more of a basic, affordable
    type for most folks of that time - even with the 'upgraded' dial and hands.
    Looking at the movement, it has about 5 jewels. Most 'high grade' pocket
    watches usually have 21 jewels and sometimes more.

    ( When mechanical watches were first produced back in the 1500's,
    only the very rich could afford the technology )

    Still a neat watch with an unusual dial.........


    If you give it a bit of a twisting shake, you may find that it will
    work - the 'balance' inside will rotate - and you can try to
    wind it up to see if it will continue to run. It's possible
    that it has been over-wound, and you will not be
    able to wind it at all.
    Regards,


    Steve.

  8. #8

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Thanks for the help Steve. I wish that it worked, I would love to carry it around. Like I said, it came in the same lot as the helmet and other items so I was hoping it would be from the same era. Now I'm left to wonder about who it belonged to originally. Perhaps a German soldier or the vet himself? I hate that I will never know.

    I forgot about this cool book that came with the lot, too.
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  9. #9

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    .... - Still a good book to learn from !
    Regards,


    Steve.

  10. #10

    Default Re: Pocket watch

    Quote by ObKrieger View Post
    Thanks for the help Steve. I wish that it worked, I would love to carry it around. Like I said, it came in the same lot as the helmet and other items so I was hoping it would be from the same era. Now I'm left to wonder about who it belonged to originally. Perhaps a German soldier or the vet himself? I hate that I will never know.
    Don't cry...

    I believe the watch is actually American, or more accurately a Swiss import watch for the American market. I say this due to the word SWISS on the case, which was an import requirement in the USA (since about 1871), and came about due to, believe it or not, the fact that Swiss watchmakers were importing cheap copies of quality American watches into the US.

    Rob

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